Oklahoma Municipal League supports local control

Thursday

Feb 7, 2013 at 1:00 PM

The Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) supports the Governor’s commitment to restore local control to cities and towns with regards to tobacco use in public places. OML joins the American Cancer Society, American Lung Society, Department of Health and many others in the Smokefree Coalition in efforts to return the rights of governing tobacco-related laws to municipalities. Several cities around the State have passed resolutions as a way to show the Oklahoma legislature their city council supports local rights on tobacco issues.

“Oklahoma is one of only two states in the nation that prohibits communities from adopting any ordinance on tobacco that is stronger than state law,” said Carolyn Stager, OML Executive Director. “Local leaders are in the best position to respond to emerging tobacco industry strategies and help protect the physical and economic health of their citizens.”

After listening to Governor Fallin’s State of the State address, Ponca City Mayor Homer Nicholson and President of the Oklahoma Municipal League said, “I applaud the Governor’s commitment to restore local control to cities and towns concerning the use of tobacco in public places. The OML Legislative Committee and Board of Directors are on record supporting this effort.”